Kenyan electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Roam has unveiled the second-generation Roam Air electric motorcycle, with ambitious plans to significantly increase daily production at its Nairobi assembly plant.
The new model, launched on Tuesday, is designed to be lighter than its predecessor, a move aimed at enhancing battery efficiency and improving handling. With a reinforced frame capable of carrying up to 240 kilograms, the Roam Air is positioned to serve the country’s expansive boda boda (motorcycle taxi) market, which includes over 3 million riders.
Currently, Roam produces about 20 motorcycles daily. However, the company plans to ramp up operations to manufacture 80 units per day, targeting an annual output of 50,000 bikes. “We are building up the supply chain to get to a point where we can produce 80 bikes a day and 50,000 units a year,” said Habib Lukaya, Roam’s Regional Sales Operations Manager, during the launch event.
To support this expansion, Roam aims to increase the share of locally sourced components from 36% to 70%, enhancing its collaboration with Kenyan manufacturers for parts such as body panels and mechanical auxiliaries.
Founded in 2017, Roam has grown into one of Kenya’s leading EV companies. Initially focused on electric vehicle conversions, the company transitioned to full-scale assembly in 2021. Apart from electric motorbikes, Roam also assembles electric buses, though on a much smaller scale compared to market leader BasiGo, which has produced over 50 electric buses for Nairobi-based operators.
Roam’s expansion plans are backed by strong financial support. In 2024, the company secured $24 million (Ksh.3.4 billion) in a Series A funding round led by Equator Africa, with contributions from At One Ventures, TES Ventures, Renew Capital, and other institutional and private investors. Additionally, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) pledged up to $10 million (Ksh.1.45 billion) in debt financing to bolster Roam’s growth.
As the demand for sustainable transport continues to rise, Roam’s latest innovation and expansion strategy signal a strong push to cement its place in East Africa’s fast-evolving electric mobility sector.
Written By Rodney Mbua
